Page France - Come, I'm a Lion!
Label: Fall Records
Style: Brit Rock, Alternative
Released: 2005
My Grade: 4.5 stars
AMG: n/a
Sounds like: Death Cab For Cutie, Modest Mouse, Caedman’s Call

There is nothing unique on Page France's debut for Fall Records, everything done has been done before - but with this album it doesn't matter.

This is the first album that has come out this year for me to review, and maybe I am just riding high on the end of the holiday season, but I cannot stop loving this CD. Page France has created a charming piece of indie pop that showcases all that is good in the music community. This album is one of the best debuts I have ever heard, bubbling with clever tongue-in-cheek lyrics and lighthearted melodies that welcome in the New Year.

Page France is the brainchild of singer/songwriter Michael Nau, an extremely talented artist that blends styles in the calm, sophisticated manner of a cool autumn love story. Everything about this release speaks volumes about the dedication and love that it must have taken to put this together, if both Page France and Fall Records keep this level of integrity up they will surely take the indie community by storm.

The entire CD is filled with such amazing songwriting that it would require a breakdown of every single song to fully explain, as it is there are three truly standout tracks that might shed a little light on the presence that is Come, I'm A Lion!

The album opens with "Spine" - a calm, cool, love song that progresses into itself and wraps itself up inside you like a wood fire on a winter's day, building with such majesty that you cannot help but fall in love. It is followed by the wonderful track "Air Pollution" that churns itself like the younger brother of a Modest Mouse song, fighting for a spot in the sun, a brilliant blend of lyrical and musical harmonies.

The most moving song on the disc is undoubtedly "We Remain As Two" a heartbroken piano ballad that struggles to explain the world and love in a most unusually beautiful manner. The music moves from one track to another with such grace that before you know it the album has ended, and you are forced to hit the repeat, over and over.

This is sure to be the album that puts both Page France and Fall Records on the map, buy it first, gloat when it hits big. This is it.

Reviewed by: Samuel Aaron